Beat Your Competition To A Sale In Today's Market

Despite the stock market fluctuations, springtime remains the "busy season" in real estate. More homes -- adding to the already wide selection available -- are likely to come on the market in the spring than any other time of year. And, to make your home stand out in this buyer's market, you will need to be a serious seller. Here are a few tips to get your home staged, shown and sold this spring -- at the best possible price in the shortest time!

Ready, Set, STAGE!
You may have heard the term "home staging" before. Professional stagers can be hired to maximize a home's appeal to the greatest number of buyers. You, too, can stage your home to sell with a little thought and work.

Cover appeal. Make sure the front door, front yard and exterior of your home are attractive. Some buyers won't get out of the car because they simply judge the book (your home) by its cover (curb appeal). Rake, mow, weed, power wash, sweep, trim, plant and water. Store excess outdoor toys, decorations and yard clutter elsewhere. If you don't have time to polish the outside of your house, hire someone to do these chores. It will be the best investment to ensure getting your home sold.


Declutter. Be ruthless. Box away, give away or throw away anything that distracts buyers from seeing the space in your home. You aren't selling your collections and personal belongings so don't display them.


Door with a view. Arrange each room artfully so when a visitor enters a room, the view is inviting and warm. Stand in the doorway and judge what you see. Make that first impression pretty as a picture and buyers will remember your home -- and make an offer!


Deep clean everywhere. Buyers notice everything, so be sure to dust, sweep and vacuum every nook and cranny in your home. Make sure each bathroom is wiped down after use, the kitchen counters are spotless and the floors are crumb- and lint-free. It's work, but clean means sold!

Ready, Set, SHOW!

You've spent a lot of time getting your home staged and spotless, ready to show. Make your home easy to show, and it will be easy to sell.
Don't place strict restrictions on when your home can be shown. Inflexible schedules turn off buyers who may only be in town viewing homes for a short time or during limited time periods. Your time is as valuable as a buyer's; avoid all unnecessary hurdles to sell your home.


Ask us how homes are usually shown -- by appointment only or with specific notice or with lockboxes. Follow the custom used most predominantly in your area and buyers will come, and your home will sell.


Secure pets during showings. Crate your dogs and cats, bring them with you or have them stay with a friend or family member. Buyers -- and their buyer's agents -- may be afraid of your pets, and their presence may prevent buyers from being able to see your home for anything other than "the one with the yappy puppy."


Leave home! Some buyers may feel self-conscious opening up others' cabinets and closets when touring homes. If you are present during the showing, the visit will be shorter and, ultimately, your home will take longer to sell, if it sells at all. (To secure your valuable belongings, store them in a safe-deposit box, a trusted friend's or family member's home or take them with you.)

Ready, Set, SOLD!

We'll work with you from the beginning through settlement and your move. With every step along the way -- from staging to showing to selling -- we will make your next move go smoothly.